Public Statements

Press Release

Today, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry suggesting that billions of dollars of usable U.S. military equipment, now being scrapped in Afghanistan, be made available to nearby allies.

As the U.S. military draws down in Afghanistan, military equipment deemed too costly to transport out of the country, is being destroyed. It is reported the Defense Department has "destroyed more than 170 million pounds worth of vehicles and other military equipment" so far, including mine-resistant armored trucks (MRAPs). The excess equipment being scrapped is so valuable, some estimates as high as $7 billion, it was referred to as "gold dust" in a June 19, 2013, Washington Post article.

"We should not waste perfectly good military equipment by cutting it up and selling it as "gold dust,'" said Rohrabacher. "We have allies and friends in Uzbekistan and India who have very real security concerns and could put this equipment to good use. They should buy the equipment and the training that goes along with it which should be profitable to us both. It makes more sense for the American tax payer and serves our country's interests by supporting nations who will come under increased threat from radical Islam after 2014."

"We must listen to our allies in the region" said Rohrabacher, "they have supported us for years in our fight against terrorism. It is insulting that we are now ignoring them in this way."

"Such a spectacle only gives the public the impression that our withdrawal is being conducted in an irresponsible manner," wrote Rohrabacher.

Rep. Rohrabacher is Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats.